• ECCE
  • School Edu
  • Higher Edu
  • Edu Tech
  • Skills
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Login
New Updates
  • ‘World No Tobacco Day 2025’: Stealth marketing of Vapes & E-Cigarettes being used to target children and the youth
  • West Bengal Govt announces massive Teacher Recruitment Drive for filling up 44, 203 vacancies
  • Central Apprenticeship Council recommends 36% Increase in Stipend for Youth under NAPS & NATS
  • University of Liverpool announces UGC approval for opening its Campus in Bengaluru by 2026
  • Imperial College London launches Imperial Global India in Bengaluru
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Spotlight
  • Perspective
  • Interview
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Student Kiosk
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Spotlight
  • Perspective
  • Interview
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Student Kiosk
No Result
View All Result
Education21

IIT Guwahati researchers develop pharmaceutical and food products from Tea Factory Waste

education by education
September 14, 2023
in Higher Edu, Latest
0
IIT Guwahati researchers develop pharmaceutical and food products from Tea Factory Waste

(L to R) Prangan Duarah, Banhisikha Debnath,Prof Mihi Purkait and Somnath Chanda

0
SHARES
76
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The research team led by Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, has carried out cutting age research on the diversified application of tea factory waste to various pharmaceutical and foods products as an output of Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowships of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE). These carbonaceous pharmaceutical materials form the basis for a broad spectrum of application-based commodities.

The research team has filed multiple patents on the basis of these developments. These include technologies related to: Catechins from green tea leaves are used to create organic preservatives, extending the shelf life of fresh fruit juices; spent tea leaves are processed into pharmaceutical-grade super-activated carbon; Catechin powder is formulated for capsule preparation, with lightweight carbonaceous material added for catechin stabilization.

The range of innovative value-added products developed in their laboratory at IIT Guwahati include:

Low-cost antioxidant-rich supplements which are designed to provide an affordable healthier lifestyle option by harnessing green tea’s potential properties

Organic preservatives developed from the green tea have redefined food preservation by extending the shelf life of vegetable and fruit juices for up to one year, effectively reducing waste and ensuring long-lasting freshness. In the sustainability realm, pharmaceutical super-grade activated carbon is setting new standards with its exceptional surface area, making it an incredibly versatile product in pharmaceutical as well as in Fast-moving consumer goods (FMGC)

Biochar produced from the waste contributes significantly to waste reduction and environmental restoration including carbon sequestration in various contexts

For pharmaceutical applications, the liquefiable carbon source promises innovative solutions that embrace the future of medicine

Micro and nano-crystalline cellulose tailored for intelligent packaging brings intelligence to product packaging, satisfying the evolving demands of modern consumers and industries

The developed carbon quantum dots are currently being explored for their sensing potential in detecting harmful contaminants in water bodies

The findings of these studies have also been published in various international journals including International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Chemosphere, Critical Reviews in Biotechnology etc. This research has been carried out by Somnath Chanda, Prangan Duarah, and Banhisikha Debnath as a part of their PhD thesis work in the Centre for The Environment of IIT Guwahati.

As per a recent study, tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide with world tea consumption reaching 6.3 million tonnes and is expected to rise to 7.4 million tonnes by 2025. This huge increase in tea consumption leads to an increase in industrial tea waste generation which leads to non-utilization of valuable agricultural resources and deterioration of environment. Because of its high lignin and low inorganic content, efficient utilization of tea industry wastes demands scientifically advanced techniques. Addressing these waste utilization and management issues becomes paramount as it aligns with sustainable practices and innovative solutions, ensuring both the industrial growth and ecological preservation

The researchers worked in line with the scope of waste to wealth mission (W2W) of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), Government of India, this research leverages a key regional resource to promote a more sustainable and diversified economy in the North Eastern states of India. The research will also fulfil the purpose of “Act East Policy” of Govt of India, “Advantages Assam” and “Biotechnology” policy of Govt of Assam.   

.Commenting on the good news, Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “The convenience and health benefits of catechin-based capsules open a promising avenue, offering users access to the advantages of catechins without the necessity of multiple cups of green tea. This caters to the increasing demand for antioxidant-rich supplements in our daily routines.”

Prof. Purkait further added, “The lignin-rich spent tea leaves are transformed into activated carbon through a specialized reactor. This involves a dual-step procedure: first, carbonization, which converts lingo-cellulosic biomass into a carbon-rich matrix; then, activation, which creates a porous structure, enhancing adsorption properties for wide range of applications that includes,  i) Food grade activated carbon as an alternative to synthetic food colorant to impart blackish, hues ii) natural based mild abrasive material in toiletries such as tooth paste and body washes, iii)) low density and light weight pharma-grade and chemically inert carbon as a pharmaceutical ingredient in solid-dosage forms as diluents, iv) non-selective adsorptive properties of microporous carbon used in anti-pollution masks and as a deodorant in socks, v) used in packaging to prevent moisture assisted degradation or spoilages etc.”

The commercial potential of these products is substantial. For instance, the demand for catechin based health supplements and organic preservatives are on the rise among health-conscious consumers and food processing companies.

The immediate future plans for the project involve advancing towards advanced Pilot stage (TRL-7) leading to the imminent Transfer of Technology (ToT) phase to potential industry partners. These value-added products not only enhance the economic viability of tea cultivation but also encourages sustainable practices by reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS Feed
Previous Post

Application for admission to MBA course at SIIB Pune open till Nov 23

Next Post

Tributes paid to Sir M. Visvesvaraya on #EngineersDay

education

education

Related Posts

Mohan Babu University launches Book Village Project to promote reading culture
Higher Edu

Mohan Babu University launches Book Village Project to promote reading culture

by education
May 31, 2025
Quitting smoking is linked to improved mental health – study
Higher Edu

Quitting smoking is linked to improved mental health – study

by education
May 31, 2025
‘World No Tobacco Day 2025’: Stealth marketing of Vapes & E-Cigarettes being used to target children and the youth
Latest

‘World No Tobacco Day 2025’: Stealth marketing of Vapes & E-Cigarettes being used to target children and the youth

by education
May 31, 2025
ISB Receives largest philanthropic contribution from Motilal Oswal Foundation
Higher Edu

ISB Receives largest philanthropic contribution from Motilal Oswal Foundation

by education
May 30, 2025
Shoolini University’s  SCDOE to deliver its online education through CSCs
Higher Edu

Shoolini University’s  SCDOE to deliver its online education through CSCs

by education
May 29, 2025
Next Post
Tributes paid to Sir M. Visvesvaraya on #EngineersDay

Tributes paid to Sir M. Visvesvaraya on #EngineersDay

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS Feed

Useful Announcements

  • All
  • Useful Announcements

Admissions for VESCOA’s  B.Arch, M.Arch, and Diploma Programs for Academic Year 2025–26 open

May 31, 2025
IIT Mandi announces PRAYAS 3.0 – A One-Month Residential Program on Robotics, AI & IoT

IIT Mandi announces PRAYAS 3.0 – A One-Month Residential Program on Robotics, AI & IoT

May 31, 2025

ETS’s TOEFL iBT® introduces adaptive testing for Reading and Listening sections starting January 2026

May 30, 2025

Registration deadline for MAT May 2025  cycle closes on June 2 

May 30, 2025

ITM University Raipur announces BBA in Supply Chain & Logistics Management with One-Year Paid Training

May 29, 2025

Udemy launches AI-Powered Role Play on Business and Communication Skills

May 29, 2025

LPU’s School of Law admissions for 3-year and 5-year law programs announced

May 29, 2025

TransStadia University invites Applications for 2025 Admissions

May 29, 2025

Alliance University launches multidisciplinary Ph.D. Program Integrating Research and Entrepreneurship

May 28, 2025

KLH Global Business School Launches Certificate Program in Digital Marketing with AI

May 28, 2025

Download current issue Not available

https://online.pubhtml5.com/jlyo/bxvr/

Monthly Magazine : Feb 2024

Interactive (Quizzes/Surveys)

Start Monthly Quiz
Education21

An initiative in continuation of Curriculum Magazine, Education21.in, is a platform for New India that aspires to be a valuable innovator, partner and collaborator for a just and sustainable world. Continuing with our steady and 360 degree coverage of education system and skills landscape, we are here more oriented towards learner community.

Useful Links

  • About us
  • Team
  • Contact
  • Editorial opportunities
  • Subscriptions
  • Job Opportunities
  • Features

Important Links

  • Blog
  • Archives
  • People
  • Careerwise
  • Resources
  • Downloadable
  • Old issues
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS Feed

Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. Education21.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Latest
  • Spotlight
  • Perspective
  • Interview
  • Videos
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Student Kiosk

Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved. Education21.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Cleantalk Pixel